EU expansion: SPD calls for new approach

The SPD parliamentary group is in favor of linking the EU accession process more closely to concrete progress made by the candidate countries. „All financial aid should be tied to the actual strengthening of rule-of-law structures, the development of an independent media landscape, and respect for and promotion of democratic institutions,“ reads a position paper on the Western Balkans, which is to be adopted by the parliamentary group today and was made available to Table.Media in advance. Moreover, progress made by the countries should be rewarded by increased cooperation in selected areas, while regressions should be sanctioned more clearly.